DUTERTE, ABE PLEDGE TO STRENGTHEN TIES
The Philippines and Japan vowed to further strengthen bilateral partnership and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest during the second official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday, Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ strong commitment to the strategic partnership with Japan.
“Our commitment and resolve show the desire to further expand cooperative ties. I dare say that, considering what we have accomplished and achieved, the Philippines and Japan are building a golden age of our strategic partnership,” Duterte said.
Both countries, in a joint statement, urged North Korea to participate in a dialogue with concerned parties to ease the tension in the Korean peninsula.
“We need to address many issues confronting the region and threats to the stability and security [in the] Asia-Pacific. Foremost among our shared concern are developments in the Korean peninsula and the continuing missile launch tests of North Korea,” the statement read.
“We condemn these tests and call on all concerned stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to peacefully resolve the situation,” the two leaders added.
The President described his discussion with the Japanese premier as “very warm, open and comprehensive.”
“As strategic partners, cooperation between the Philippines and Japan is expansive and multi-dimensional. Both sides recognized today that there is still ample room for even more significant growth in all areas of mutual concern,” he said.
He said he was pleased with Japan’s reiteration of its full commitment to “give flesh” to the 1 trillion yen or close to nine billion dollars pledge of assistance to the Philippines to boost economic and infrastructure development in the next five years.
He said the Philippines is ready to work with other Japanese companies as “new partners for growth”.
Duterte likewise thanked Japan for its continuing assistance in other areas such as countering terrorism and violent extremism, defense, capacity building, combatting illegal drugs and pursuing lasting peace in Mindanao.
Duterte further extended his gratitude to Japan for its support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of strife-torn Marawi City.
For his part, Prime Minister Abe said it was a great honor to welcome Duterte whom he described as “dear and cherished friend.”
He pledged to provide “maximum support” for the restoration of Marawi and further strengthen support for Mindanao’s peace and development and its efforts toward the establishment of an autonomous government.
Abe also vowed to expedite the construction of a subway in Metro Manila and improving projects for the North South Commuter Rail.
He said Japan would implement medium to long term action plans related to illegal drugs and measures for maritime safety, terrorism and security.
“We will proceed with cooperation to enhance coastal surveillance capacity building. And we
$9 B The amount of pledges of assistance to boost infrastructure $6 B The total amount of investments pledged by Japan’s private sector, as indicated in 18 Letters of Intent
will further provide support to strengthen safety in Sulu and Celebes Seas and other parts of the region,” he said.
“Japan and the Philippines will cooperate to address common issues such as North Korea nuclear and missile issue and the only resolution of the abduction issue and realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific and also counter measures against terrorism and illegal drugs,” he added.
The two leaders also vowed cooperation in energy, job creation, information and communication technology, environment, agriculture and disaster reduction.